Smart elderly care changing twilight years for the better

An innovative elderly care center in Tianjin's Hexi district is offering a glimpse into the future of aging in China, combining artificial intelligence with community-based services to improve the lives of older residents.

At the Yuexiu Road Elderly Care Service Center, technology is quietly reshaping daily routines. Seniors rest on smart mattresses that monitor heart rate and breathing in real time, allowing early detection of health issues. These smart mattresses have become the "invisible guardians" of elderly health management in the center's care beds.

"Through data collection and analysis, the mattresses can provide a scientific basis for each senior's health records, precise prediction of health risks, and interventions," said Zhan Hengbo, vice-president of the Tianjin Elderly Industry Association and head of the center's research and development company.

As elderly care increasingly becomes a focal point of social attention, Zhan's team has been focusing on home-based and community-based elderly care research for over 10 years.

According to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, by the end of 2024, China's population aged 60 and above reached 310 million, accounting for 22 percent of the total population. The number of elderly in China is close to the total population of the United States.

As of the end of 2023, Tianjin had 3.4 million elderly residents aged 60 and above, accounting for nearly 25 percent of its population, according to the local government.

"With the emergence of various new technologies like artificial intelligence, new opportunities have arisen for home-based elderly care, such as the use of smart devices and real-time data networking, enabling seniors to potentially break free from manual care and achieve home-based care," he said.

Wu Hao, deputy director of the elderly care service center in Hexi district, mentioned that a family companion desktop robot has been operational in thousands of households, enabling elderly individuals who are apprehensive about new technology to effectively utilize it.

At home, seniors only need to call out "Xiao Xin", and the robot can assist them with tasks like ordering meals, making medical appointments, and scheduling community activities. Community staff would promptly respond to related needs.

In November, an elderly woman surnamed Cai was diagnosed with a stroke and diabetes, making it challenging for her and her spouse to care for each other.

"At that time, the staff at the care center introduced us to a special program called 'One-Stop Butler Service', which includes intelligent service robots and a dedicated butler. Now, I use the robot every day, and butler Meng Meng is like my family member," Cai said.

With Meng's guidance, Cai enjoys playing her favorite old songs using the robot.

Since its launch in May 2021, the Yuexiu Road Elderly Care Service Center has served 27,000 elderly individuals, offering convenient life services such as meal assistance, hairdressing, foot care, massages, cultural and entertainment courses, short-term beds, rehabilitation training equipment, professional support for postoperative recovery and temporary home care.

Community health service stations have established a medical insurance hotline, providing basic medical services such as diagnosis and medication, ensuring that "minor illnesses do not require leaving the community".

An elderly woman surnamed Shi and her husband are regulars at the care center, engaging in various activities from bowling and finger exercises to drumming and intellectual games, enriching their lives. "With you all, we are no longer lonely individuals," Shi said to her companions.

Zhan believes that the silver economy is not only a natural result of an aging society but also presents new opportunities for high-quality urban development. The coordination between smart devices and staff can enhance the efficiency of elderly care services.

Centered around intelligent robots and other terminals, functionalities like family doctors, life assistants, and caring butlers have been realized, complemented by community dining and medical consultation services.

In addition to robots, smart care devices such as emergency call buttons, millimeter-wave fall radars, and pressure ulcer prevention smart mattresses have gradually been introduced, providing real-time alerts for elderly health and potential risks. Comprehensive smart security devices like intelligent monitoring systems and smoke alarms ensure the safety of elderly individuals living at home.

The center has also established a volunteer service team, offering services such as meal delivery, home visits, and center cultural and entertainment activities for the elderly.

"We hope that the care provided to the elderly by the community is not only driven by technology but also by warmth among neighbors," said Li Xin, Party secretary and director of the Hexi district's civil affairs bureau.

"Through technological empowerment, smart elderly care is no longer just a concept but a real-life experience integrated into various aspects of senior citizens' lives. When elderly care services become more convenient, efficient and warm, silver-haired individuals can enjoy their twilight years in the embrace of a smart city," she said.

Zang Yifan contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn